Just when it looked like the NFL was in the clear, another setback has been reached.
According to Adam Schefter and Field Yates of ESPN, the NFL is shutting down the New England Patriots’ facility after a fourth player tested positive for COVID-19. Shortly after, the league announced it was rescheduling the Patriots’ game against the Denver Broncos for Week 6.
NFL is shutting down the Patriots’ facility this morning, marking the third shutdown there in 10 days, sources tell me and @FieldYates. Patriots are testing this morning and awaiting further direction from the NFL. But the status of Monday night’s game vs. Denver is in question.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2020
Patriots had one new positive test this morning, source tells ESPN. Their building is now shut down while further testing is conducted.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2020
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the player who tested positive is defensive tackle Byron Cowart.
A second member of New England's first-string defense is heading for the COVID-19 reserve list https://t.co/n1uX8W5N9q
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 11, 2020
This new development marks the third shutdown of the team’s facilities in the last 10 days. During that time, four Patriots players have tested positive for COVID-19 in Cam Newton, Stephon Gilmore, Bill Murray, and Cowart.
The news was reported early on Sunday morning, just six hours before the kickoff of the 1:00 p.m. games. Sunday morning was supposed to reflect the successful protocols of the NFL and their quick action. Now, though, the football community will eagerly await any ounce of follow-up information and news regarding the Patriots.
The Tennessee Titans, who had 13 players and several additional personnel test positive for COVID-19, were able to return to their facility for the first time in more than one week on Saturday. New England also returned to its facility on Saturday after the conclusion of its second shutdown.
The Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and Las Vegas Raiders have each had one player test positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks. The New York Jets, meanwhile, received a presumptive positive on Friday that was later determined to be a false positive.
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